pineapple: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “pineapple” mean?
A large tropical fruit with a tough, spiky outer shell, sweet yellow flesh, and a fibrous core.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large tropical fruit with a tough, spiky outer shell, sweet yellow flesh, and a fibrous core.
Can refer to the plant (Ananas comosus) that bears this fruit, or figuratively to a symbol of hospitality, wealth, or tropical aesthetics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning differences. The fruit/plant is referred to identically.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes tropical climates, sweetness, and summer. In historical/design contexts, the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “pineapple” in a Sentence
grow pineapple(s)cut (up) a pineapplepeel a pineappleadd pineapple to Xbe full of pineappleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pineapple” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- pineapple yoghurt
- a pineapple glaze
- pineapple-shaped lamp
American English
- pineapple cottage cheese
- a pineapple topping
- pineapple-motif wallpaper
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In trade, agriculture, or food manufacturing contexts (e.g., 'pineapple exports', 'pineapple processing plant').
Academic
In botanical, agricultural, or culinary studies.
Everyday
Very common in discussing food, recipes, shopping, and holidays.
Technical
Specific to horticulture (cultivars, diseases) or food science (bromelain enzyme).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pineapple”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pineapple”
- Uncountable use when referring to whole fruit (e.g., 'I bought a pineapple' correct, not 'I bought pineapple').
- Misspelling as 'pinapple'.
- Mispronouncing the first syllable as /pɪn/ instead of /paɪn/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily countable when referring to the whole fruit ('two pineapples'). It can be uncountable when referring to the flesh as a substance or ingredient ('add some pineapple').
It is called the crown or the top.
In the 17th-18th centuries, pineapples were rare and expensive in Europe and colonial America. Displaying one at a party or carving one into architecture signaled the host's wealth and generous welcome to guests.
Yes, it is edible but often tougher and more fibrous than the surrounding flesh. It is commonly used in juices, smoothies, or cooked dishes.
A large tropical fruit with a tough, spiky outer shell, sweet yellow flesh, and a fibrous core.
Pineapple is usually neutral to informal in register.
Pineapple: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaɪnˌæp(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaɪnˌæp(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The rough end of the pineapple (Aus/NZ informal: unfair treatment)”
- “Top (or crown) of the pineapple (Aus: the best part or person)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PINE + APPLE: Think of the spiky exterior being as rough as a pine cone, but the fruit is sweet like an apple.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH/HOSPITALITY IS A PINEAPPLE (from historical use as a costly, exotic centerpiece).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you encounter the phrase 'the rough end of the pineapple'?